What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Definition of Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. One chief
factor common to all democracies is that the government is chosen by the people. It also helps
students to demarcate between democratic and non-democratic governments. For the non-
democratic government, take the example of Myanmar, where rulers were not elected by the
people. Those who were in charge of the country’s army took over as rulers, and people had no
say in this decision. Dictators like Pinochet (Chile) are not elected by the people. This also
applies to monarchies.

Features of Democracy

The simple definition of democracy gives rise to various questions, which are given below:

 Who are the rulers in this definition?

 What kind of election constitutes a democratic election?
 Who are the people who can elect the rulers or get elected as rulers?
 Finally, what form of government is a democracy?
Major Decisions by Elected Leaders

Some countries like Pakistan do not follow this rule. In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a
military coup in October 1999. He overthrew the democratically elected government and went on
to become the President of the country. In 2002, he also held a referendum in the country that
granted him a five-year extension. Meanwhile, after the passing of this ‘Legal Framework Order’,
elections were held in the national and provincial assemblies, and elected representatives were
granted some powers. But the final power rested with military officers and General Musharraf
himself. Hence, we can conclude it was not a democratic country. The same thing happens in
many dictatorships and monarchies. Thus, we can conclude that in a democracy, the final
decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

Free and Fair Electoral Competition

In China, elections are held after every five years to elect the country’s parliament, called
Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People’s Congress). Before contesting elections, a
candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. The government is always
formed by the Communist Party. Alternatively, since its independence in 1930, Mexico has held
elections after every six years to elect its President. But until 2000, every election was won by a
party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). Should we consider the elections described
above as examples of people electing their rulers? Reading these examples, we get a sense that
we cannot. Democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power
have a fair chance of losing.

One Person, One Vote, One Value 

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Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political
equality. However, there are many instances of denial of the equal right to vote. Until 2015, in
Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such
a way that people belonging to the Russian minority found it difficult to get the right to vote. In
Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an
Indian-Fijian. Definitely not a democratic government. The feature of democracy this highlight is
that in a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote, and in turn, each vote must have one
value.

Rule of Law and Respect for Rights

Zimbabwe attained independence from White minority rule in 1980, and since then, the country
has been ruled by the party that led the freedom struggle, ZANU-PF. Its leader,

Robert Mugabe has ruled the country since independence. Even if elections were held regularly, it
was always won by ZANU-PF. President Mugabe was popular but also used unfair practices in
elections. There was a law that limited the right to criticise the President. Television and radio
were controlled by the government and gave only the ruling party’s version. There were
independent newspapers, but the government harassed those journalists who went against it
and so on. Not a democratic government. Democratic government rules within limits set by
constitutional law and citizens’ rights.

Hence, we can deduce that democracy is a form of government in which:

 Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions

 Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers
 This choice and opportunity is available to all people on an equal basis
 The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the
constitution and citizens’ rights
Why Democracy?

Cons of Democracy

 Leaders keep changing in a democracy leading to instability.

 Democracy is all about political competition and power play, leaving no scope for
morality.
 Many people have to be consulted in a democracy, which leads to delays.
 Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people, resulting in bad decisions.
 Democracy leads to corruption since it is based on electoral competition.
 Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything.
From these arguments, we can see that democracy of the kind we see may not be the ideal form
of government. However, we will see if democracy is better than other forms of government that
are there for us to choose from.

Arguments in Favour of Democracy

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A democratic government is a better government because
it is a more accountable form of government: Take the example of the famines of 1958-1961 in
India and China. While China was hit badly, India did not fare as badly, despite its economic
condition. The reason for this could be that India responded to the food scarcity in a way that the
Chinese government did not. Here, we see that democracy is better than any other form of
government in responding to the needs of the people.

Democracy improves the quality of decision-making: Democracy is based on consultation and

discussion. A democratic decision always involves many people, discussions and meetings, and
they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This may take time. However, the
advantage of taking time over important decisions is that it reduces the chances of rash or
irresponsible decisions.

Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts: In any society, people are
bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly more in a
country like ours, with amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions, speak
different languages, practise different religions and have different castes. The preferences of
one group can clash with those of other groups. How do we resolve such a conflict? Democracy
provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In a democracy, no one is a permanent
winner or loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.

Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens: Democracy is based on the principle of political

equality. It recognises that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich
and the educated.

Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own
mistakes: Even if no government can guarantee that no mistakes will be made, in a democracy,
one can be sure that it will not be hidden for too long. It makes space for public discussion on
these mistakes. There is also room for correction. Rulers have to change their decisions, or they
could themselves be changed.

Thus, we can correctly infer that while democracy may not be the solution to all problems, it is
still clearly better than any other alternative.

Broader Meanings of Democracy

In this chapter, the meaning of democracy is discussed in a descriptive sense. Students get to
learn about democracy as a form of government, thus helping them to identify a clear set of
minimal features that democracy requires. The common form adopted by democracy is
representative democracy. In democratic countries, all people do not rule. A majority is allowed
to take decisions on behalf of all the people through their elected representatives. This has
become necessary for the reasons given below:

 Modern democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically

impossible for them to sit together and take a collective decision.
 Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to take part
in all the decisions.

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Democracy, as a principle, can go beyond the government
and can be applied to any sphere of life. People use the word democracy not to describe any
existing government but to set up an ideal standard that all democracies must aim to become.
However, if the ideals of democracy are considered, then no country in the world is correctly
democratic. Still, having an understanding of democracy as an ideal will explain why to value
democracy. It enables people to judge an existing democracy and identify its weaknesses. It also
helps to distinguish between a minimal democracy and a good democracy. The most common
form of democracy in today’s world is being ruled by people’s elected representatives. However,
for a small community, there can be other ways of making democratic decisions. All people can
sit together and make decisions directly. This is how the Gram Sabha should work in a village.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we have a democracy?
1. Equality and freedom of all actions 2. Voting leads to the proper selection of government
officials 3. Deal with conflicts 4. Enhances women empowerment
Q2

Where is Zimbabwe located?

Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in South East Africa, is separated from Zambia by the Zambezi
River.
Q3

What is a ‘Legal Framework Order’?

The Legal Framework Order refers to presidential decrees issued during military rule in Pakistan
in 1970 and 2002 over the organisation of elections.

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Page 19

1. Which of the following does not lead to the spread of democracy?

(a) Struggle by the people
(b) Invasion by foreign countries
(c) End of colonialism
(d) People’s desire for freedom
Answer: (b) Invasion by foreign countries

2. Which of the following statement is true about today’s world?

(a) Monarchy as a form of government has vanished.
(b) The relationship between different countries has become more democratic than
ever before.
(c) In more and more countries rulers are being elected by the people.
(d) There are no more military dictators in the world.

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Answer: (c) In more and more countries rulers are
being elected by the people.

Page 20

3. Use one of the following statements to complete the sentence:

Democracy in international organisations requires that …
(a) The rich countries should have a greater say.
(b)Countries should have a say according to their military power.
(c) Countries should be treated with respect in proportion to their population.
(d) All countries in the world should be treated equally.
Answer: (c) All countries in the world should be treated equally.

4. Based on the information given in this chapter, match the following countries
and the path democracy has taken in that country.

Country Path to Democracy

(a) Chile (i) Freedom from British colonial rule

(b) Nepal (ii) End of military dictatorship

(c) Poland (iii) End of one party rule

(d) Ghana (iv) King agreed to give up his powers

Answer:

Country Path to Democracy

(a) Chile (ii) End of military dictatorship

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 (b) Nepal (iv) King agreed to give up his powers

(c) Poland (iii) End of one party rule

(d) Ghana (i) Freedom from British colonial rule

5. What are the difficulties people face in a non-democratic country? Give answers
drawing from the examples given in this chapter.
Answer:
The following are the difficulties people face in a non-democratic country.

 No freedom for people to elect their leaders.

 No freedom of speech and expression.
 Censorship of press.
 Single-party rule.
 No say in government policies.
 No freedom to form unions.
 People suffer violence and oppression without any legal redress.

For example, Pinochet’s military dictatorship in Chile tortured and killed several of
those who wanted democracy to be restored. Another example is the communist
government that ruled in several countries of East Europe in the 1980s. In these
countries, people could not freely choose leaders. Those who spoke against the
government were put in prison.

6. Which freedoms are usually taken away when a democracy is overthrown by the
military?
Answer:
When democracy is overthrown by the military, the people of the country are
deprived of many freedoms.

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  First of all, they lose the freedom of speech
and expression and cannot say anything against the military government.
 Secondly, they are not allowed to form political parties and workers’ unions.
 Thirdly, the people are deprived of their right to choose their own leader or
change them.

7. Which of the following positions can contribute to democracy at the global level?
Give reasons for your answer in each case.
a. My country gives more money to international institutions. Therefore, I want to be
treated with more respect and exercise more power.
b. My country may be small or poor, but my voice must be heard with equal respect
because these decisions will affect my country.
c. Wealthy nations will have a greater say in international affairs. They cannot let
their interests suffer just because they are outnumbered by poor nations.
d. Big countries like India must have a greater say in international organisations.
Answer:
a. No, it does not contribute towards democracy at a global level because every
democracy’s basic principle is equality. Every country or its people should enjoy
equal status and rights irrespective of it being poor or rich. Also, the amount of
money the country contributes towards international institutions is not the yardstick
that determines the power a country can have globally.

b. Yes, it does contribute towards democracy because it promotes a fundamental

right-the right to freedom of speech and expression. When every person of the
country utilises his/her right to express and be heard, he/she automatically supports
democracy.

c. No, it does not lead the democracy at the global level because at a universal level,
all the countries whether rich or poor are equal. There should be no distinctions
between the countries and all should be treated at par. Also, wealthy nations are not
entitled to special treatments.

d. No, it does not support democracy because geographical areas or the size of the
country cannot be the criteria to determine the superiority of that country.

8. Here are three opinions expressed in a television debate on the struggle for
democracy in Nepal. Which of these do you agree with and why?
Guest 1: India is a democracy. Therefore, the Indian government must support the
people of Nepal who are struggling against the monarchy and democracy.
Guest 2: That is a dangerous argument. We would be in the same position as the US
was in Iraq. Remember, no outside force can promote democracy.

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Guest 3: But why should we bother about the internal
affairs of another country? We should be worried about our business interests there,
not about democracy.
Answer:
The opinion of Guest 1 can be easily agreed with.
Being a democracy, India has to support the democratic aspirations of the Nepali
people. The Government of India is within its rights to declare support for those who
are struggling for the establishment of a democratic government. However, there
has to be recognition of the fact that no country can supplant democracy in another
country. The push has to come from the people of that particular nation.

9. In an imaginary country called Happyland, the people overthrew the foreign ruler
and brought back the old royal family. They said: “After all their ancestors were our
kings before foreigners started ruling us. It is good that we have one strong ruler,
who can help us become rich and powerful”.
When someone talked about democracy the wise men said it is a foreign idea. Their
struggle was to throw the foreigners and their ideas out of the country. When
someone demanded freedom for the media, the elders thought that too much
criticism of the ruler would not help them improve their living standards. “After all,
the king is so kind and interested in the welfare of all the subjects. Why create
problems for him. Don’t we all want to be happy? “
After reading the above passage, Chaman, Champa and Chandru made the
following observations:
Chaman: Happyland is a democratic country because people were able to throw out
the foreign rulers and bring back the king.
Champa: Happyland is not a democratic country because people cannot criticise
the ruler. The king may be nice and may provide economic prosperity, but a king
cannot give a democratic rule.
Chandru: What people need is happiness. So they are willing to allow their new ruler
to take decisions for them. If people are happy it must be a democracy.
What is your opinion about each of these statements? What do you think about the
form of government in this country?

Answer:
Chaman: Even though people bought an end to the foreign rule in Happyland, it
cannot be called a democratic country because the king ruled as a monarch. This
form of government is known as a monarchy. It is only when people will enjoy the
right to choose their leader, will it be called a democratic country.

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Champa: A king cannot guarantee democracy
because it will be a one-man rule. A government can be called a democracy only
when there is a rule of the people. In other words, people should have the right to
elect the nominal head of the state and their representatives.

Chandru: Happiness of the people cannot be the factor to form a democracy. The
masses might be happy with the king, but he cannot establish a democracy because
he is not an elected representative. For example: In the olden days, people lived
happily under various monarchs, but it cannot be called a democratic government, as
they were chosen by the people.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What does a candidate need before contesting elections in China?
Answer:
Approval of the Chinese Communist Party.

Question 2.
In a democracy, the final decision must rest with those leaders or representatives
who are _______ .
Answer:
Elected by the people

Question 3.
What is peculiar with ZANU-PF?
Answer:
It has always won elections

Question 4.
The one of the main features of a democratic government is that it rules within the
limits set by the constitutional law above _______ .
Answer:
Citizen’s rights

Question 5.
Why does a democratic government is a better government?
Answer:
Because it is more accountable form of government

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Question 6.
Democracy offers _______ .
Answer:
Dignity of citizens and principle of political equality

Question 7.
Democracy cannot provide solution to all the problems, it is also a difficult form of
government to implement. It is _______ .
Answer:
One of the weaknesses of democracy

Question 8.
The major challenges to democracy are _______ .
Answer:
Economic equality among people and abolition of casteism from society.

Question 9.
It is a system in which only those who are in power and their supporters are
benefited, and excludes minorities and weaker sections.
Answer:
Dictatorship

Question 10.
It Is a system under which military chief enjoys all the powers and suppress all the
protests against him by the people.
Answer:
Military

Question 11.
The strength of democracy is its ability to uphold the values for which it stands for.
These values are _______ .
Answer:
Freedom, Equality and Justice

Question 12.
Who led a military coup iirPakistan in 1999?
Answer:
Pervez Musharraf

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Question 13.
When did Zimbabwe attain independence and from whom?
Answer:
In 1980 from white minority rule

Question 14.
In which period did China face one of the worst famines that have occurred in the
world?
Answer:
China’s famine of 1958-1961 was the worst recorded famine in the world history.

Question 15.
Democracy improves the quality of decision-making because
Answer:
Decisions are taken by consultation and discussion.

Question 16.
What is the most common form of democracy in modern world?
Answer:
Representative Democracy

Question 17.
Which body in the Indian political system is an example of direct democracy?
Answer:
Gram Sabha

Question 18.
What is ZANU-PF?
Answer:
Political party of Zimbabwe

Question 19.
Name the Chinese Parliament.
Answer:
The National People’s Congress

Question 20.
Give a definition of democracy.
Answer:
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.

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Question 21.
What was the ‘Legal Framework Order’ passed by Pervez Musharraf in I August
2002?
Answer:
In August 2002, Musharraf issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the
Constitution of Pakistan. According to this Order, the President can dismiss the
national and provincial assemblies.

Question 22.
Name the country where women do not have the right to vote till 2015.
Answer:
Saudi Arabia

Question 23.
Media is not independent in Zimbabwe. How?
Answer:
Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling party’s
version. There are independent newspapers, but the government harasses those
journalists who went against it.

Question 24.
How can you say that China is not a democratic country?
Answer:
In China, the elections do not offer the people any serious choice. They must choose
the ruling party and the candidates approved by it. That is why, we cannot say that
China is a democratic country.

Question 25.
What is the role of citizen in promoting democracy?
Answer:
In a democracy, every citizen should be able to play equal role in decision-making.
For this the citizen not only needs an equal right to vote but also equal information,
basic education, equal resources and a lot of commitment.

What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 Extra

Questions Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What are three features of democracy?

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Answer:
Features of democracy are :

 Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions;

 Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the
current rulers;
 This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal
basis;
 The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules
of the constitution and citizens’ rights. (Any three)

Question 2.
Explain any three major political changes that took place recently in India’s
neighbourhood.
Answer:

 Pakistan-General Musharaf led a military coup.

 Nepal-In 2005, the new king dismissed the elected government.
 Iraq-Saddam Hussein’s regime was overthrown.

Question 3.
How does democracy improve the quality of decision making?
Answer:
Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always
involves many persons, discussions and meetings. When a number of people put
their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision.
This takes time. But there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions.
This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus, democracy
improves the quality of decision-making.

Question 4.
How does democracy enhances the dignity of citizens?
Answer:
Even if democracy does not bring about better decisions and accountable
government, it is still better than other forms of government. Democracy enhances
the dignity of citizens. Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on
recognising that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich
and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.
Even when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct.

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Question 5.
How is democracy better than other forms of government?
Answer:

 It is correct that democracy is better than other forms of government

because it allows us to correct its own mistakes. There is no guarantee
that mistakes cannot be made in democracy.
 No form of government can guarantee that. The advantage in a
democracy is that such mistakes cannot be hidden for long.
 There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is a
room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or
the rulers can be changed. This cannot happen in a non-democratic
government.

Question 6.
Democracy cannot get us everything and is not the solution to all problems.
Than why are we interested in democracy?
Answer:

 It is clearly better than any other alternative form that we know. It offers
better | chances of a good decision and it is likely to respect people’s
own wishes and allows different kinds of people to live together.
 Even when it fails to do some of these things, it allows a way of
correcting its mistakes and offers more dignity to all citizens. That is
why, democracy is considered the best form of government.

Question 7.
What does ‘one person, one vote, one value’ mean? Name the countries who deny
the equal right to vote.
Answer:
Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. In a democracy,
each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
Democracy is linked to the demand for Universal Adult Franchise. Yet, there are
many instances of denial of equal right to vote.

 Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote.
 Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people
belonging to Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.
 In Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has
more value than that of an Indian-Fijian.

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Question 8.
Is it correct that a democratic government cannot do whatever it likes? Explain.
Answer:

 A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes because it has

won an election. It has to respect some basic rules. In particular, it has
to respect some guarantees to the minorities. Every major decision has
to go through a series of consultations.
 Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by
the constitution and the law. Each of these is accountable not only to
the people but also to other independent officials.
 A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law
and citizens’ rights.

Question 9.
Pakistan under the General Pervez Musharraf is not called a democracy. Why?
Answer:
Pakistan under the General Pervez Musharraf is not called a democracy because :

 The rulers are not elected by the people in Pakistan. People may have
elected their representatives to the national and provincial assemblies
but those elected representatives are not really the rulers.
 They cannot take the final decisions.
 The power to take final excision rests with army officials and with
General Musharraf, and none of them are elected by the people.

Question 10.
How popular governments can be undemocratic? Explain with an example.
Answer:
In Zimbabwe, since it attained independence in 1980, elections have been held
regularly and always won by ZANU-Ph the party that led the freedom struggle. Its
leader, President Robert Mugabe, is popular but also uses unfair practices in
elections. His government has changed the constitution several times to increase
the powers of the President and make him less accountable. Opposition party
workers are harassed. Public protests and demonstrations against the government
are declared illegal. There is a law that limits the right to criticise the President.
Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling party’s
version.

Question 11.
Till 2000, Mexico was not a democratic country. Explain.

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Answer:
In Maxico, people seemed to really have a choice but in practice they had no choice.
There was no way the ruling party could be defeated, even if people were against it.
These are not fair elections. But until 2000 every election was won by a party called
PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). ‘Opposition parties did contest elections, but
never managed to win. The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections.

Question 12.
What is the significance of the rule of law and respect for rights in democratic
country?
Answer:
A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won an
election. It must respect some basic rules. It must respect some guarantees to the
minorities. Every major decision has to go through a series of consultations.

Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the
constitution and the law. Each of these is accountable not only to the people but also
to other independent officials.

Question 13.
Explain any three differences between democratic country and non-democratic
country.
Answer:
In a Democratic Country :

 Each adult citizen has a right to vote.

 Each vote has one value.
 Free and fair elections are held.

In a Non-democratic Country :

 Elections do not offer a choice and fair opportunity.

 Rulers are not elected by the people.
 The rulers have unlimited power.

What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 Extra

Questions Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
“Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts”. Discuss.

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Answer:
Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. In any society,
people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences
are particularly sharp in a country like ours which has an amazing social diversity.
People belong to different regions, and have different languages, practise different
religions and have different castes. They look at the world very differently and have
different preferences. The preferences of one group can clash with those of other
groups. Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In
democracy, no one is a permanent winner. No one is a permanent loser. Different
groups can live with one another peacefully. In a diverse country like India,
democracy keeps our country together.

Question 2.
What are the various aspects of democracy?
Answer:
We may refer to three aspects of democracy—political, social and economic.

 Political Aspect: Political democracy requires “government by consent

and political equality.” Democracy, as a form of government, implies that
elections must be held with reasonable frequency. Moreover, there
should be more than one political party competing for political power.
 Social Aspect: A democratic society is one in which an atmosphere of
equality prevails. There should be no discrimination on grounds of
religion, race, caste or sex. Every one should have equal access to
shops, restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment. Our
Constitution guarantees equality to every person before law.
 Economic Aspect: Political democracy will be a reality only when it is
supported by economic democracy. The most stable democracies of
the world are those which have extensive welfare schemes for the poor
people.

Question 3.
What are the merits of a democratic government?
Answer:
The merits of a democratic government are :

 A democratic government is a better government because it is a more

accountable form of government.
 Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
 Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
 Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.

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  It is better than other forms of
government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.

Question 4.
Why has India not experiences a famine as severe as that of China in 1958-61?
Answer:
China’s famine of 1958-1961 was the worst recorded famine in the world history.
Nearly three crore people died in this famine. During those days, India’s economic
condition was not much better than China. Yet India did not have a famine of the
kind China had. Economists think that this was a result of different government
policies in the two countries.

The existence of democracy in India made the Indian government respond to food
scarcity in a way that the Chinese government did not. They point out that no large-
scale famine has ever taken place in an independent and democratic country. If
China too had multiparty elections, an opposition party and a press free to criticise
the government, then so many people may not have died in the famine.

Question 5.
What are the drawbacks of a democracy.
Answer:
The following are the draw backs of a democracy :

 Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.

 Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no
scope for morality.
 So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to
delays.
 Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to
bad decisions.
 Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.
 Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not
decide anything.

Question 6.
How far is it correct that no country has a perfect democracy?
Answer:
No country has a perfect democracy because :

 Every democracy has to try to realise the ideals of a democratic

decision-making. This cannot be achieved once and for all. This requires

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 a constant effort to save and strengthen
democratic forms of decision-making. What we do as citizens can make
a difference to making our country more or less democratic. This is the
strength and the weakness of democracy: the fate of the country
depends not just on what the rulers do, but mainly on what we, as
citizens, do.
 This is what distinguished democracy from other governments. Other
forms of government like monarchy, dictatorship or one party rule do not
require all citizens to take part in politics.
 In fact, most non-democratic governments would like citizens not to
take part in politics. But democracy depends on active political
participation by all the citizens. That is why, a study of democracy must
focus on democratic politics.

Question 7.
Why did the Institutional Revolutionary Party in Mexico never lose any election till
2000?
Answer:
The Institutional Revolutionary Party in Mexico was very strong till 2000. There are
many reasons behind it:

 Until 2000, every election was won by Institutional Revolutionary Party in

Mexico. Opposition parties did contest elections, but never managed to
win.
 All those who were employed in government offices had to attend its
party meetings. Teachers of government schools used to force parents
to vote for the PRI.
 Media largely ignored the activities of opposition political parties except
to criticise them.
 Sometimes, the polling booths were shifted from one place to another in
the last minute, which made it difficult for people to cast their votes.
 The PRI spent a large sum of money in the campaign for its candidates.

Question 8
What were the steps taken by Musharraf in Pakistan to empower himself?
Answer:
The following steps were taken by Musharraf in Pakistan to empower himself:

 In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October

1999. He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared
himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of the country.

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  Later, he changed his designation to
President and in 2002, held a referendum in the country that granted him
a five-year extension.
 In 2002, he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the
Constitution of Pakistan. According to this Order, the President can
dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.
 The power to take final decision rested with army officials and with
General Musharraf.
 The work of the civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security
Council which was dominated by military officers.
 Write the names of two different types of government.
 Answer: democratic government and non democratic government (monarchy,
autocracy)
 Who rules over Myanmar?
 Answer: the army rules over Myanmar
 Write a name of a dictator of Chile
 Answer: Pinochet
 which type of government gives every man the right to be his own oppressor?
 Answer: a democratic government
 All the ills of democracy can be cured by_________
 Answer: more democracy
 Which foreign power was present in Iraq during the elections?
 Answer: the United States of America
 Who led the military coup in October 99 in Pakistan?
 Answer: general pervez Musharraf
 General pervez Musharraf declared himself to be the_________
 Answer: chief executive of the country
 In which year general pervez Musharraf changed the designation from chief
executive to the president?
 Answer: 2002
 In which continent Syria is located?
 Answer: Asia
 Who dominated the the national security council of Pakistan?
 Answer: the military officers
 In China elections a regularly held after every____ years
 Answer: 5

 What is the name of China Parliament?

 Answer: national people’s Congress
 In China who has the power to a point the president?
 Answer: the national people’s Congress has the power to appoint the president
 How many members are there in Chinese national people’s Congress?
 Answer: nearly 3000
 In which year Mexico got independence?
 Answer: 1930
 Mexico holds election after every ______ Years

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 Answer: 6
 What is  PRI?
 Answer: institutional revolutionary party
 How did the PRI won the elections?
 Answer: by using many dirty tricks
 From which year the women of Saudi Arabia got the right to vote?
 Answer: 2015
 In which year Zimbabwe attained Independence from white minority rule?
 Answer: 1980
 Which party is ruling Zimbabwe since 1980?
 Answer: ZANU PF
 In which year president mugabe was forced out of his office?
 Answer: 2017
 King of which country has declared that in future he will be guided by the
advice given to him by elected representatives?
 Answer. Bhutan
 Who where not given a right to vote in Sri Lanka?
 Answer. Many Tamil workers who migrated from India
 The Indian supreme Court held that the dissolution of____Assembly was
unconstitutional
 Answer. Bihar
 Political parties of which country have agreed that in neutral government
should rule the country at the time of election?
 Answer Bangladesh
 During which years China was hit by a severe famine?
 Answer. From 1958 to 1961
 How many people died during the China famine?
 Answer. Nearly 3 crore people

 Short Type Questions and

Answers:
 What is a democracy?
 Answer: democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by
people. Where the voice of the common people is very important for the government.
 Why the government of Myanmar was not democratic?
 Answer: the government of Myanmar was not democratic because the rulers were
elected not by the people and the country was controlled by the army.
 Why Saudi Arabia is not a democracy?
 Answer: Saudi Arabia is not a democracy because the kings of Saudi Arabia rule not
because the people have chosen them to do so but because they happened to be
born into the royal family.
 What powers does democracy give to its people?
 Answer: democracy gives every man the right to be his own operation and all the ills
of democracy can be cured by more democracy.
 How the rulers are elected in a democracy?
 Answer: the rulers in a democracy are elected by the people with the help of election
and form the government.

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 Why Pakistan is not fully a democratic country?
 Answer: Pakistan is not a fully democratic country because it is is in reality ruled by
its military forces.
 Who can dismiss the national and provincial assemblies in Pakistan?
 Answer: in August 2002 you with a legal framework order that amended the
constitution of Pakistan. According to this order the president can dismiss the
national and provincial assemblies
 Why China is not a true democracy?
 Answer: China is not a true democracy because the ruling party e uses their power
wrongly during the elections and gets elected again and again.
 How a democracy should conduct its elections?
 Answer: A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those
currently in power have a fair chance of losing
 What is the voting system in Fiji?
 Answer: In Fiji the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has
more value than that of an Indian Fijian.

 What is the value of a vote in a democracy?
 Answer: each vote is important in a democracy. In a democracy each adult citizen
must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
 What is rule of law?
 Answer: rule of law is one of the main characteristics of a democracy. It means that
no one is above the law of the state be it the president for any common people.
 What are the importance of people’s right in a democracy?
 And: equal right to every citizen is one of the main characteristic features of a
democracy. a democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and
citizens rights
 What is the perfect definition of a democracy?
 Answer: Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the
people and the people have equal right and all the people are same under the rule of
law.
 Name the websites which have been banned by the Chinese government?
 Answer: Google and Yahoo
 Why a democratic government is a better government?
 Answer: A democratic government is a better government because it is more
accountable form of government than that of any kind of other government.
 How does democracy improve the quality of decision making?
 Answer: A democratic decision always involves many persons discussions and
meetings does it improves the quality of decision making
 What is a representative democracy?
 Answer: a representative democracy is is a form of government which is ruled by the
representatives who are elected by the common people (universal adult franchise)

 Long Type Questions:

 1) Write the salient features of a democracy?
 2) Write few reasons why Pakistan should not be called a democracy under
general Musharraf?
 3) How in a democracy the final decision making power rest with those elected
by the people,?

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 4) Elaborately describe rule of law and respect
for rights with suitable examples
 5) What are the positives of a government which is is formed with the rulers
who are elected by the people?
 6) A democratic  government is a better government because it is a more
accountable form of government. Explain
 7) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. How?
 8) How does democracy enhance the dignity of citizens?
 9) How does a democracy allow us to correct our own mistakes?
 10) Why a democratic country is a happier country then monarchy?
 11) Right  five arguments against democracy e and 5 in  the favour of
democracy.

Question 1. 
When did Pervez Musharraf came to power in Pakistan?
(a) Sep. 2000 
(b) October 1999
(c) April 1995 
(d) May 2005
Answer:
(b) October 1999

Question 2.
Name the country where free and fair elections are not held
(a) China 
(b) Mexico 
(c) Saudi Arabia
(d)All the above
Answer:
(d)All the above

Question 3. 
In which country, woman do not have the right to vote
(a) India 
(b) China 
(c) USA 
(d) Saudi Arabia
Answer:
(d) Saudi Arabia

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Question 4. 
Who is the President of Zimbabwe?
(a) Pervez Musharraf 
(b) Robert Mugabe 
(c) Robespierre 
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Robert Mugabe 

Question 5. 
Name any democratic country of the world
(a) India 
(b) USA 
(c) Sri Lanka 
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question 6. 
In which of the following country an indigenous citizen has more value than of
outsiders
(a) Saudi Arabia 
(b) China 
(c) Fiji 
(d) Estonia
Answer:
(c) Fiji 

Question 7. 
Which organ of the government is required to protect the rights of the citizens
(a) Legislature 
(b) Executive 
(c) Judiciary 
(d) Army
Answer:
(c) Judiciary 

Question 8. 
Which of the following system is an example of direct democracy?
(a) Gram Sabha 

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(b) Panchayat Samiti
(c) Municipal Corporation 
(d) Legislative Assembly 
Answer:
(d) Legislative Assembly 

Question 9. 
Which of the following is not an argument against denfocracy?
(a) Instability 
(b) No morality
(c) Delays 
(d) Accountable
Answer:
(d) Accountable

Question 10. 
Which of the following is an argument in favour of democracy?
(a) Accountable 
(b) Good decision making
(c) Dignity of citizens 
(d) All the above
Answer:
(d) All the above

Question 11. 
Who was the ruler of Ghana during non-democratic rules?
(a) Nkrumah’s 
(b) Robert Mugabe
(c) Parvez Musharraf 
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Nkrumah’s 

Question 12. 
From which Greek word Democracy has been derived?
(a) Demo’s and Kratia 
(b) Demo and Carta
(c) Carta 
(d) None of these

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Answer:
(a) Demo’s and Kratia 

Question 13. 
In which year Mexico got Independence?
(a) 1930 
(b) 1925 
(c) 1975 
(d) 1980
Answer:
(a) 1930 

Question 14. 
Name the country where the people belonging to Russian minority do not get
voting rights
(a) Pakistan
(b) China 
(c) Saudi Arabia 
(d) Estonia
Answer:
(d) Estonia

Question 15. 
Which type of Party system in China?
(a) One-party system 
(b) Two-party system
(c) Multiparty system 
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) One-party system 

Question 16. 
Which type of party-system is there in India?
(a) Single Party 
(b) Two Party 
(c) Multi-Party 
(d) None of these 
Answer:
(c) Multi-Party 

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Question 17. 
When was Robert Mugabe forced out of office?
(a) 2017 
(b) 1998 
(c) 2000 
(d) 2006
Answer:
(a) 2017 

Question 18. 
Who is responsible to protect the basic rights given by state?
(a) Legislature 
(b) Executive 
(c) Judiciary 
(d)All of these
Answer:
(c) Judiciary 

Question 19. 
To whom is the ruling party accountable in democracy?
(a) President 
(b) Judiciary 
(c) People    
(d) Government  
Answer:
(c) People    

Question 20. 
Which is the most preferred form of government in the world?
(a) Monarchy 
(b) Military Rule 
(c) President Rule  
(d) Democracy
Answer:
(d) Democracy

Fill in the blanks:

Question 1. 
Political Party of Mexico is named as .................   

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Answer:
PRI

Question 2. 
ZANU-PF is the political party of ................. 
Answer:
Zimbabwe

Question 3. 
In the year ................. Zimbabwe attained independence.
Answer:
1980

Question 4. 
Legal Framework Order was introduced by General Parvez Musharraf in the year
.................
Answer:
China

Question 5
in 1958-61, ................. faced the worst famines
Answer:
China

True or False:

Question 1. 
Democracy is a form of government in which people elect rulers.
Answer:
False

Question 2. 
In democracy, final decision is taken by army officials.
Answer:
False

Question 3. 
Democracy consists of universal adult suffrage.
Answer:
True

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Question 4. 
Decisions are taken quickly in a democracy.
Answer:
False

Question 5. 
In a system of democratic governance, rulers are not accountable to people.
Answer:
False

Match the column:

 

Column A Column B
(1) Ba’ath Party (a) Mexico
(2) School teacher are forced to influence the parents to vote for a (b)Myanmar
particular party
(3) Indirect Democracy (c) Fiji
(4) More weightage to indigenous voters (d) Syria
(5) Military rule (e) India
Answer:

Column A Column B
(1) Ba’ath Party (d) Syria
(2) School teacher are forced to influence the parents to vote for a (a) Mexico
particular party
(3) Indirect Democracy (e) India
(4) More weightage to indigenous voters (c) Fiji
(5) Military rule (b)Myanmar

Very Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1. 
What was the Legal Framework Order passed by Pervez Musharraf in August
2002?
Answer:
In August 2002 Pervez Musharraf issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that
amended the constitution of Pakistan. According to this order, the President can
dismiss the national or provincial assemblies. .

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Question 2.
Name any four democratic countries of the world.
Answer: 
(i) India
(ii) USA
(iii) Sri Lanka
(iv) South Africa 

Question 3. 
Highlight any two features of a Democratic Government?
Answer: 

1. The Government is answerable to the people as it is elected by the

people.
2. It enhances the dignity of the citizens.

Question 4. 
How can you say that Mexico till 2000 was not a democratic country? 
Answer: 
Until 2000 every election was won by a party called PRI (Institutional
Revolutionary Party). Opposition parties never managed to win.

Question 5. 
What do you know about the electoral system in Fiji?
Answer: 
The electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value
than that of an Indian Fijian.

Question 6. 
How can you say that media is not independent in Zimbabwe?
Answer: 
Television and radio are controlled by the government in Zimbabwe, and give
only 
the ruling party’s session. The Government has harassed those journalists who
go against it. .

Question 7.
Over the years President Mugabe’s Government of Zimbabwe has changed the
constitution several times. Why?
Answer: 
His Government had changed the constitution several times to increase the

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powers of the President and make him less
accountable.

Question  8.
Mention any two limitations of a democratic government.
Answer: 

1. Leaders keep changing in the democracy. This leads to instability.

2. Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no
scope for morality.

Question 9.
Which form of government allows people to choose their rulers?
Answer: 
Democracy.

Question 10.
Which form of government is considered non-democratic?
Answer: 
Military rule or monarchy. '

Question 11.
What is the name of the Chinese Parliament?
Answer: 
The National People’s Congress.

Question 12.
With whom does the final decision of making power rest in a democracy?
Answer: 
Elected representatives of the people.

Question 13.
After how many years does Mexico held elections for electing its President?
Answer: 
After every six years.

Question 14.
By whom is the President of China appointed?

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Answer: 
Members of the National People’s Congress.

Question 15.
Before contesting elections in China, whose approval does a candidate need to
have? .
Answer: 
The Chinese Communist Party. .

Question 16.
Which is the most common form of democracy in today’s world?
Answer: 
Representative Democracy.

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1. 
What amendments did General Pervez Musharraf bring in the constitution of
Pakistan by issuing a ‘Legal Framework Order’ in August 2002?
Answer: 
In August, 2002 Musharraf issued a ‘Legal Framework order’ to amend the
constitution of Pakistan. According to this order the President could dismiss the
national or provincial assemblies. The work of the civilian cabinet was
supervised by a National Security Council which was dominated by military
officers. After passing this order elections were held to the National and State
Assemblies, elected representatives held some powers but the final power
rested with military officers and Musharraf himself.

Question 2. 
Why Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf is not called a democracy? 
Answer: 
Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf is not called a democracy because the
rulers were not elected by the people. People might have elected their
representatives to the national and provincial assemblies but these elected
representatives were not really the rulers. They could not take the final
decisions. The power to take final decisions rested with army officials and with
General Pervez Musharraf. 

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Question 3. 
How did General Pervez Musharraf become the president of Pakistan? 
Answer: 
General Pervez Musharraf led a military troop in October 1999. He overthrew
democratically elected government and declared himself the chief executive of
the country.

1. Later he changed his resignation to President.

2. In 2002, he held a referendum in the country granted him a five-year
extension. This referendum was based on malpractices and fraud.

Question 4. 
Elections in China do not represent people’s verdict.” Explain the statement.
Answer: 

1. In China, elections are regularly held after every five years for electing the
country’s Parliament. It is called National People’s Congress.
2. The Parliament has nearly 3000 members from all over the China.
3. Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the
Chinese Communist Party. The government is always formed by the
Communist Party.

Question 5. 
The Institutional Revolutionary Party in Mexico never lost any election till 2000.
What were the reasons behind it?
Answer: 
The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was very strong in Mexico till 2000 due
to the following reasons:

1. The PRI used many dirty tricks to win the elections.

2. All those who were employed in government offices had to attend all the
meetings held by the PRI.
3. Teachers of Government schools used to force parents to vote for the PRI.
4. Media largely ignored the activities of opposition political parties in
addition to criticising them.

Question 6. 
Why are China, Estonia and Saudi Arabian to truly democratic countries? State
one reason for each one of them.
Answer: 
There are many instances of denial of equal right to vote.

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 1. In Saudi Arabia, women did not have the
right to vote until 2014.
2. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging
to Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.
3. In Fiji, the vote of an indigenous Fijian has more value than that of an
Indian . Fijian.

Question 7. 
Show the way to establish rule of law and respect of right.
Answer: 
Rule of law and respect of right can be established by the following way:

1. The state should respect some basic rights of the citizens.

2. Citizens should be free to think, to have opinions, to express their
opinions in ' public, to form associations, to protest and take other
political actions.
3. Everyone should be equal in the eyes of law.
4. Rights must be protected by an independent judiciary whose orders are
obeyed by everyone.

Question 8. 
Assess any three conditions that apply to the way a democratic government is
run after the elections.
Answer: 

1. People should have the freedom to express their views. They should
have freedom to form associations and to protest also. 
2. Country is governed by the constitutional law. Everyone should be equal
in the eyes of law.
3. Every officer bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the
constitution and the law. Each of these is accountable not only to the
people but also to other independent officials.

Question 9. 
Democracy allows us to correct its own mistakes” Analyse the statement.
Answer: 
There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in a democracy. No form of
government can guarantee that. But in a democracy mistakes can not be hidden
for long time. People can change their leaders and leaders can change their
decision to correct mistakes. In democracy there is a space for discussion. This is
not possible in non-democratic government.

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Question 10.
China’s famine of 1958-61 was the result of government policies”. Elucidate it.
Answer: 
China’s famine of 1958-61 was the worst recorded famine in the world history.
Nearly three crore people died in this famine. During those days India’s
economic condition was not much better than China. However, India did not
have a famine of the kind China had.

The existence of democracy in India made the Indian Government respond to

food scarcity in a way that the Chinese government did not. If China too had
multi-party elections the opposition parties and the press were free to criticise
the government, so many people would not have died in the famine.

Question 11. 
Why is democracy called a “government by discussion”?
Or
Democracy improves the quality of decision making. Explain.
Answer: 
Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. Democratic decision always
involves many persons’ discussions and meetings. When a number of people put
their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any
decision. This takes time but it reduces the chances of irresponsible decision.
Hence, democracy improves the quality of decision making.

Question 12. 
Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. Explain.
Answer: 

1. Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. So, all the

citizens whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated have the same
status.
2. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.
3. The rulers have to work according to the needs of the people. If the
people do not like the rulers they can be changed through election.

Question 13. 
Give any four reasons why democracies resolve conflict in a better way than
Other forms of governments.
Answer: 

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Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than
other forms of government because 

1. It improves the quality of decision making as it provides scope for

consultation and discussion to resolve conflicts. 
2. In democracy conflicts are not solved by brutal force but by peaceful
solutions.
3. When government and people make mistakes in democracy, it allows
them to correct their mistakes.

Question 14. 
Differentiate between a democracy and Good Democracy ? 

Answer:

Democracy Good Democracy

(i) A democratic government is (i) It is also elected by the people but people
elected by the people. also take part in decision making.
(ii) In a democracy regular (ii) In it regular, free and fair elections are
elections are held. held.
(iii) It enhances political equality. (iii) It enhances political, social and economic
equality

Question 15. 
Rulers and the ruled both are responsible for making of an ideal democracy.
Justify by giving suitable reasons.
Answer: 

1. The fate of the country depends not just on what the rulers do, but mainly
on what we, as citizens do.
2. What we do as citizens, can make a difference in making our country
more or less democratic.
3. In fact most non-democratic governments would like citizens not to take
part in politics, but democracy depends on active political participation by
all the citizens.

Question 16. 
Is it possible for any country to become a perfect democracy? Give reasons.
Answer: 
No country is a perfect democracy as every democracy has to realise the ideals

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of democratic decision-making. This cannot be
achieved once and for all. This requires a constant effort to save and strengthen
democratic forms of decision-making. What we do as citizens can make a
difference to making our country more or less democratic.

Long Answer Type Questions: 

Question 1. 
What is Democracy? What are the features of Democracy?
Answer:
Meaning of Democracy: Democracy is a form of governance in which-
(a) The representatives are elected by the people. Those representatives make
all the major decisions.
(b) In this, free and fair elections are held at regular intervals.
(c) Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people that they can
change the current rulers if they want.
(d) This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis.
(e) The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the
. constitution and citizens’ rights.
Features of democracy Following are the salient features of democracy

(i) Public elects the representatives: 

Democracy is a form of governance in which the public elects the
representatives.

(ii) Major decisions in the hands of elected representatives:

In a democracy, ‘the final decision-making power rests with those chosen by the
people.

(iii) Free and fair term elections: 

In a democracy, there is a system of term elections. But just holding elections is
not sufficient for democracy. The elections must offer a real choice between
more than one political alternative. It should be possible for people that if they
want, they can remove the existing ruler. Thus democracy is based on free and
fair elections.

(iv) One person-one vote-one value: 

In democracy, every adult citizen has one vote and each vote has one value.

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(v) Rule of law and respect for rights: 
In a democracy, the government provides some basic rights to the citizens. It
gives to citizen the freedom to think, to have their opinions, to express their
Opinions publicly, to form association, to protest and to do other political
activities.
Everyone is equal in the eyes of law and these rights are protected by an
independent judiciary whose orders are obeyed by everyone. The government
rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.

Question 2. 
Explain the main merits and demerits of democracy.
Answer: 
Merits of democracy: 
Democratic government is better than non-democratic governments because
democracy has the following characteristics.

(a) Accountable government:

Democracy is better than other form of government because they responds to
the need of the people and fulfil them and they are accountable to the people in
fulfilling their needs. The leaders ,of non- democratic government are not
accountable to the people. Therefore meeting the needs of people depends on
their wishes.

(b) Right decision: 

Democracy is based on discussion and consultation. Therefore before making a
decision it is discussed with many persons. When many people put their thought
together in any decision this reduces the chances of error in the decisions.

(c) Dignity of citizen: 

Democracy is based on political equality which gives equal rights and freedoms
to all, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. People are not subjects of a
ruler, they are the rulers themselves. Thus, the status of citizens in a democracy
is not same in any other system.

(d) Correction in wrong decision: 

Democratic government is better than other forms of government because it
gives us the chance to correct its own mistakes. In democracy mistakes cannot
be hidden for long time. There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes
and there is a room for correction. It means either the rulers have to change
their decisions, otherwise . public will change the rulers in coming election. This

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cannot happen in a non- democratic government.
Demerits of democracy Following are the demerits of democracy-

(i) Instability: 
In democracy leaders and political parties keep changing. This leads to political
instability.

(iij No scope for morality: 

Democracy is all about political competition and power play. Therefore there is
no scope for morality.
(iii) Delay in decision making: 
It takes a long time to make decisions in a democracy because decisions are
taken after extensive discussions among a large number of people and
organizations.
(iv) Wrong decision: 
Popular leaders dominate democracy. But it is not necessary for these leaders to
be fully aware of best interest of the people. So they often take wrong decisions. 

(v) Corruption and expensive system: 

Electoral competitions are important and expensive in a democracy, therefore it
leads to corruption.

(vi) Politically uneducated voters: 

In most of the developing countries, voters are uneducated and unaware of
politics. An ordinary voter does not know what is good and bad for them. So
they choose the wrong candidate.

Question 3. 
Mention some common characteristics of non-democratic countries.
Answer: 
Some common characteristics of non-democratic countries are as follows
(a) Lack of free and fair term election: 
Non-democratic countries either do not have any regular elections and if they
happen then they are only for the sake of showing. These elections are not free
and fair. There are no options in voting for the public. Therefore, the public
cannot remove the ruling party or the rulers by vote.

(b) Lack of opposition and opposition party: 

Opposition is not tolerated in non-democratic governments. So there is no

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question of opposition political party. It also lacks
independent labor organizations. Only trade unions that support government
policies can remain safe. In this, the government also controls the media.

(c) Lackoffundamentalrightsandfreedomsofcitizens: 
FundamentalRights and Freedom are not given to citizens in non-democratic
governments. Everyone is dependent on the mercy of dictators and military
rulers. Anyone can be put behind the bars without any reason or punished
without trial.

(d) Lack of constitutional governance: 

Where democratic governments works within the limits of constitutional law, in
non-democratic government, the command of the ruler is the law and its will is
the constitution.

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